Mental skills in the armed forces: A scoping review.

Abstract

As mental performance strategies have been used effectively in a variety of elite sport settings, the purpose of this scoping review was to understand the applications of mental skills within an armed forces population. Furthermore, this review sought to uncover what types of programs have been established, and who the programs are designed to benefit. Beyond programs specifically, the review was designed to uncover additional forms of psychological skills training received. A scoping review method was employed to provide an overview of the type of programs or training received, targeted populations, and foci of mental performance applications in English speaking armed forces with particular attention toward the Canadian landscape. Of 52 studies reviewed, only three represented a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) perspective; most programs were oriented toward supporting active duty members, and 15 studies did not present a specific program. There was significant overlap amongst the 52 studies with certain programs represented in several articles, and others mentioned only one time. Findings of this review identify a need for more programming tailored toward the needs of families of serving armed forces members, seeking to provide them with adequate skills implemented directly within the family system as opposed to a delivery of skills via the active member. This review also identifies the need for more psychological skills research within the CAF landscape. It is unclear if there is simply a lack of programming offered in the Canadian context, or whether the problem lies with a lack of research to understand the efforts that do exist.

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